Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

True, true, but you're talking about air travel, not plastic lawn ornaments from China. Next to oxygen and football, most Americans can't live without airplanes.

They thought they couldn't live without landline telephones too...........
Not saying it will happen, but, someone could devise a totally new way of flying or teletransporting humans.......

explorerx4

When I bought my current F150, the delivery was delayed because the moonroof somehow suffered some damage between my test drive and delivery and needed replacement.
Testing it when I picked it up and the roof wouldn't behave correctly, so I refused delivery.
The salesman took it over to service and they did a software recalibrate.
It has worked fine ever since, although I still think twice about opening it.

ruking1

I’m glad 3/4 diesels of mine did not have sunroofs. The one that did, was seldom used & experienced no failure.

On the Ethiopian Boeing 737 Max 8 crash. Evidence is growing that it is a pilot error. https://finance.yahoo.com/video/boeing-ethiopian-airlines-crash-might-125406120.html

It is inexplicable why the Ethiopian Airlines would put a pilot with only 200 hours of experience in the right seat of a commercial airliner! ?

oldfarmer50

Mr_Shiftright said:

Well maybe you could stagger your buying to different price points? Every 5 point drop, buy again?

There were some eye-witness reports on the Ethiopian crash. Apparently the plane was rattling and shaking violently and there was some smoke. I dunno, sounds kinda like a stall and a full-throttle attempt?

Or a stinger missle.

qbrozen

imidazol97 said:

You might have dogs coming around and sniffing and peeing on your tires

I can see squirrels and chipmunks being attracted in this area. Of course, we don't know if it was crunchy or smooth peanut butter...?

Well now ya just being silly. Everyone knows crunchy will never seal right!

qbrozen

driver100 said:

About DIY putting tires on rims. Don't buy a car with RFTs......you need special equipment to install them and peanut butter probably won't work.

I’ve done RFTs. No harder than other low profile tires that I bought 20mm wider than stock because I wasn’t thinking what a [non-permissible content removed] they’d be to mount.

ruking1

Even with one engine down, it was most likely recoverable with a “good” pilot.

oldfarmer50

Mr_Shiftright said:

Well maybe you could stagger your buying to different price points? Every 5 point drop, buy again?

There were some eye-witness reports on the Ethiopian crash. Apparently the plane was rattling and shaking violently and there was some smoke. I dunno, sounds kinda like a stall and a full-throttle attempt?

Or a stinger missle.

andres3 said:

dino001 said:

They may actually be actively trained NOT to do it. Pilots have to adhere to the procedures in their training, if it says do not switch something off until step 25 in he procedure, it may be fine at 30 thousand feet, but not so much 1000 feet, or less. But then there is another side - most accidents, especially in early times, were due to real pilot's poor decisions, sometimes something simple like pulling the stick up too much at wrong speed and altitude, etc. Computers are very good in eliminating those really blatant errors and we don't want to go back into "completely manual" flying. The stakes are too high. The trick becomes in integration of that interaction and weighing each input.

As I was said before, I can't wait until the autonomous driving technology will take away my steering wheel, as long it also takes them from those who are currently road menaces (I will gladly pay the "fun" price for the safety), but unfortunately I don't expect that to happen any time soon. The number of variables and prejudice is still too high.

One solution is to build a toll road lane everywhere, that only the users and adopters of the technology use, and pay for. It seems computers won't interact well with human drivers anyway, so having your own lane makes sense. I envision human drivers taking advantage of the software programming "weaknesses and vulnerabilities" so that human drivers get ahead in the line, and the computers are stuck waiting patiently and passively for a big opening. Exploiting AI is what video games are all about!

I’ve always thought the big planners of autonomous cars never took human bad actors into account. If you know a self-driver will always stop to avoid a collision why not pull out in front of it? That doesn’t even consider real evil actions such as someone deliberately throwing something in front of one to make it slam on the brakes hoping to cause a rear end collision from the car behind it.

Just heard another news story where a woman was killed by a brick thrown off an overpass. A person who would do that would probably be gleeful to crash a self-driver.

ruking1

Of course not ! Planners for NORMAL CIRCULATION planning (cars, highways etc.) have never taken criminal behavior into account. The government NHTSA.GOV data does not STRATIFY criminal behavior as a percentage & it’s effect on the overall statistics.

https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Main/index.aspx

abacomike

ab348 said:

@abacomike , I wonder when the software was changed in the first place? It was working, then at some point was not working properly due to a software update. Do they get downloaded to the vehicle automatically I wonder?

I believe he said the software quirk was caused by the car’s computer losing the update that was downloaded in January.  I had not tried opening the sunroof since the original fix back in January.  The software is downloaded using their computers at the dealership, although I understand that some software updates can be downloaded from the satellite 📡 through the Mercedes Benz Mbrace system.

If it happens again, then there is a problem with the computer hardware in the car.  I am just hoping this fix is permanent.

The more these new cars become dependent on computers and software, the more complex a fix becomes when a glitch occurs. This software problem and it’s fix was “sunroof operation specific”!

ruking1

abacomike said:

ab348 said:

@abacomike , I wonder when the software was changed in the first place? It was working, then at some point was not working properly due to a software update. Do they get downloaded to the vehicle automatically I wonder?

I believe he said the software quirk was caused by the car’s computer losing the update that was downloaded in January.  I had not tried opening the sunroof since the original fix back in January.  The software is downloaded using their computers at the dealership, although I understand that some software updates can be downloaded from the satellite 📡 through the Mercedes Benz Mbrace system.

If it happens again, then there is a problem with the computer hardware in the car.  I am just hoping this fix is permanent.

The more these new cars become dependent on computers and software, the more complex a fix becomes when a glitch occurs. This software problem and it’s fix was “sunroof operation specific”!

https://www.kqed.org/news/11732182/is-the-future-of-automotive-engineering-in-silicon-valley-ask-this-german-auto-giant

http://www.calautotdc.com/automotive-sector-in-california-silicon-valley/

snakeweasel

Mr_Shiftright said:

tyguy said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Says here: "Nissan hasn’t yet announced pricing or on-sale date for the upgraded Leaf Plus, but it seems likely to come in somewhere around the same magical $37,500 threshold as competitors. That gets customers down to $30,000 after the federal tax break, at least until Nissan hits the 200,000 cumulative sales that will trigger a phase-out of the tax credit"

Elon says you can buy a Tesla 3 for $35,000 but it will cost you $42,900. Don't ask me how that works, ask him!

Hey Shifty. Not sure I follow the $42,900. With all the changes recently I wasn't sure, so I just went to order one and came up with $35,000 + $1,200 delivery. Are you thinking of an upgraded version maybe?

I haven't yet found anyone who got one at that price.

Sure people are skeptical about anything Tesla says, with good reason. But as they say, seein' is believin', so I'm lookin'.

As for EV trucks--this remains to be seen. Trucks are all about CARGO WEIGHT. If they can't carry something heavy enough, far enough, nobody is going to buy them. And batteries are heavy. The fact that these trucks are electric doesn't translate to truckers like it does to upwardly mobile white collar workers. Trucking companies don't want "sexy", They want "payload"---except perhaps to order a few from Tesla to showboat them at corporate HQ and paste their logos on them.

I can see a limited use for EV trucks for stuff like local deliveries where the delivery drivers are there for a time such as appliance delivery where there needs to be a setup.

berri

North American pilots are generally very well trained and tested. The Captains usually have more hours of flying time than on some these of the airlines from other countries. If the airlines got serious and redundant pilot feedback I think they would ground the plane on their own. I don't think airlines here want a crash all over the news for weeks on end. I've heard the comment made before that Western pilots fly the plane, but in some other regions of the world they operate the equipment. I'd get on one right now if it was my flight and was a North American or major European airline. Personally, I think the EU move is as much about politics as it is safety. I believe we need to give the industry and FAA a bit of time to ascertain the actual facts though. I don't think the airlines will try to white wash any of it because the MAX is a rather small percentage of their fleets right now.

berri

I'm thinking autonomous cars are still quite a ways from being on the road in significant numbers. I also don't sense a huge cry of demand from the marketplace anymore than the willingness to share the vehicle with a stranger.

snakeweasel

andres3 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

I hate winter.

just had an interesting piece on the local news. Apparently Volvo will be implementing governers on all their cars next year, capping them at 112. Kinda defeats the purpose of the Polestar tune models! Pretty sure that will be plenty for me, though might hurt sales in Germany.

nothing to do with economy. It is for safety. Though if you are already over 110, what the heck, might as well keep going!

I bet a lot of cars have speed limiters on them but it’s not advertised. I think my Mustang is limited to something like 155 while the old V6 was topped at 105. I suspect that most cars become unstable at speeds over 100 without aero mods.

Even 80's Honda's were pretty stable at 100 MPH, without aero mods.

We are not talking about streets with 90 degree turns here,people go 100 where there is plenty of straight or nearly straight tarmac.

Even the Neon was OK at 100 MPH. For instance, when the head gaskets were bad, and the coolant low because of the leakage, the air flow would keep the engine from overheating.

You must have had a bad speedometer as the Neon was nowhere near ok at triple digit speeds. I was in a 80s era Civic where the speedometer was pinned and then some, I wouldn't recommend it. I took an Dodge Omni GLH with the throttle wide open (top speed was supposed to be 130 MPH) again I wouldn't recommend it.

abacomike

berri said:

North American pilots are generally very well trained and tested. The Captains usually have more hours of flying time than on some these of the airlines from other countries. If the airlines got serious and redundant pilot feedback I think they would ground the plane on their own. I don't think airlines here want a crash all over the news for weeks on end. I've heard the comment made before that Western pilots fly the plane, but in some other regions of the world they operate the equipment. I'd get on one right now if it was my flight and was a North American or major European airline. Personally, I think the EU move is as much about politics as it is safety. I believe we need to give the industry and FAA a bit of time to ascertain the actual facts though. I don't think the airlines will try to white wash any of it because the MAX is a rather small percentage of their fleets right now.

I just saw a report on the news that there have been numerous North American pilot complaints (anonymous per the recent whistleblower ruling) about the Boeing 737 MAX8 aircraft.  One area of consistent negative comments have to do with a lack of specificity in the aircraft manuals.  Also, the more powerful and larger engines caused Boring to move the engines closer to the front of the plane which causes the aircraft to want to “nose up at full power”.

Let’s face it, until there is more data from the two recent crashes that the FAA can analyze, nothing is going to change its comment about the aircraft being air worthy.  Quite frankly, I would avoid flying on a MAX8 due to the similarities of the available info on the pilot contacts with the towers.

tjc78

snakeweasel said:

andres3 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

I hate winter.

just had an interesting piece on the local news. Apparently Volvo will be implementing governers on all their cars next year, capping them at 112. Kinda defeats the purpose of the Polestar tune models! Pretty sure that will be plenty for me, though might hurt sales in Germany.

nothing to do with economy. It is for safety. Though if you are already over 110, what the heck, might as well keep going!

I bet a lot of cars have speed limiters on them but it’s not advertised. I think my Mustang is limited to something like 155 while the old V6 was topped at 105. I suspect that most cars become unstable at speeds over 100 without aero mods.

Even 80's Honda's were pretty stable at 100 MPH, without aero mods.

We are not talking about streets with 90 degree turns here,people go 100 where there is plenty of straight or nearly straight tarmac.

Even the Neon was OK at 100 MPH. For instance, when the head gaskets were bad, and the coolant low because of the leakage, the air flow would keep the engine from overheating.

You must have had a bad speedometer as the Neon was nowhere near ok at triple digit speeds. I was in a 80s era Civic where the speedometer was pinned and then some, I wouldn't recommend it. I took an Dodge Omni GLH with the throttle wide open (top speed was supposed to be 130 MPH) again I wouldn't recommend it.

My stepdad had a first year Neon. “On a closed track” I took it right to limited speed of 107. It was fine, not BMW secure but felt better than my 89 Grand Marquis and light years better than the 92 Century we had.

My cousin and Dad both had 85 and 86 (respectively) Shelby Chargers. I still like those and the Omni GLH.

berri

Boeing may have dropped the ball on sufficient introduction, but I think the majors here have already stepped up the changes with their crews. While I know there have been some pilot complaints, Southwest's union came out today in full support of the MAX. Whatever, it will get worked out like the B787 lithium batteries and even the DC-10 long back. I'm comfortable on the major carriers with their highly trained crews, many former military pilots. I admit, I'd be a bit more nervous on some of the small discount carriers if they flew them. And Southwest isn't really a discount carrier anymore. Having said all that, I've never really cared for any of the 737's as a passenger though.

andres3

tjc78 said:

snakeweasel said:

andres3 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

I hate winter.

just had an interesting piece on the local news. Apparently Volvo will be implementing governers on all their cars next year, capping them at 112. Kinda defeats the purpose of the Polestar tune models! Pretty sure that will be plenty for me, though might hurt sales in Germany.

nothing to do with economy. It is for safety. Though if you are already over 110, what the heck, might as well keep going!

I bet a lot of cars have speed limiters on them but it’s not advertised. I think my Mustang is limited to something like 155 while the old V6 was topped at 105. I suspect that most cars become unstable at speeds over 100 without aero mods.

Even 80's Honda's were pretty stable at 100 MPH, without aero mods.

We are not talking about streets with 90 degree turns here,people go 100 where there is plenty of straight or nearly straight tarmac.

Even the Neon was OK at 100 MPH. For instance, when the head gaskets were bad, and the coolant low because of the leakage, the air flow would keep the engine from overheating.

You must have had a bad speedometer as the Neon was nowhere near ok at triple digit speeds. I was in a 80s era Civic where the speedometer was pinned and then some, I wouldn't recommend it. I took an Dodge Omni GLH with the throttle wide open (top speed was supposed to be 130 MPH) again I wouldn't recommend it.

My stepdad had a first year Neon. “On a closed track” I took it right to limited speed of 107. It was fine, not BMW secure but felt better than my 89 Grand Marquis and light years better than the 92 Century we had.

My cousin and Dad both had 85 and 86 (respectively) Shelby Chargers. I still like those and the Omni GLH.

Yes, the speedometer couldn't have been that bad. I got all my teenage tickets in it, which of course, pre-disposed me to not liking law enforcement based on those experiences. Sacramento PD does get a bad rap, and probably deserved.

berri

Aba, just remembered that American and United brass got into an exchange a few months ago on the very topic you brought up about manuals and initial support. American pilots seemed to feel it wasn't comprehensive enough, while United claimed they were satisfied. United flies the larger MAX9 variant. Right now though all 3 of the majors flying them are comfortable unless some new information surfaces.

snakeweasel

qbrozen said:

No mayo in my house.

Van doesn’t live in the garage. I used a fair amount of brake cleaner to get the PB off. Seemed like it froze overnight and driving it this morn it sounded like it was all flying off. Car wash should take care of the rest. Pretty sure we’ll be just fine. LOL

I’m not one to surrender a repair to someone else once begun. To me, that would be like starting an essay, a poem, a math problem, or a painting and halfway through hand it to someone else to finish. 

I just have to ask, was the peanut butter crunchy or smooth?

snakeweasel

ab348 said:

dino001 said:

stickguy said:

Better safe them sorry territory?

And even if technically pilot error, did the plane cause a risky condition through faulty sensors or programming that the pilots weren’t able to handle?

That's the biggest question. Not all "pilot errors" are the same. Some are personal poor choices, some could be induced by lack/poor training, or unrecognized conditions. Remember crash of A320 over Long Island? It was technically "pilot error", but it was induced literally by wrong training by American Airlines. Overcompensation for wake vortex resulted in loss of the tail section.

Back in March of 2015 Air Canada flight 624 from Toronto (an A320) was coming into YHZ in a snowstorm. Visibility was poor in the snow. Pilots were apparently trained not to attempt to land if visibility was less than 1/2 mile. Controllers told them it had improved from 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile so they started their glide. They set the auto pilot to do this for them. Apparently that can take them down on the right trajectory to about 200 feet.

In this case there was apparently some wind that caused the plane to go lower than the expected trajectory. Pilots were apparently not trained to check the altitude in this procedure and the s/w did not alert them. They took over at lower than expected altitude and quickly found themselves way too low. Tried to throttle up but the tail hit the ground and they took out the localizer and some landing lights before bouncing up on to the runway and skidding to a stop. Air Canada and the govt officials called it a "hard landing" but it sure looked like a crash to me.

https://youtu.be/cT2s506_0kk

That last picture, it looks like it's smiling.

suydam

ruking1 said:

I’m glad 3/4 diesels of mine did not have sunroofs. The one that did, was seldom used & experienced no failure.

On the Ethiopian Boeing 737 Max 8 crash. Evidence is growing that it is a pilot error. https://finance.yahoo.com/video/boeing-ethiopian-airlines-crash-might-125406120.html

It is inexplicable why the Ethiopian Airlines would put a pilot with only 200 hours of experience in the right seat of a commercial airliner! ?

That was the co-pilot.

ruking1

Co-Pilot IS the right seater. The Pilot is the left seater.

On helicopters it is the complete opposite. The pilot is the right Seater, the copilot is the left seater.

Found this on YouTube https://youtu.be/TtZAjvJtbW0

imidazol97

abacomike said:

ab348 said:

@abacomike , I wonder when the software was changed in the first place? It was working, then at some point was not working properly due to a software update. Do they get downloaded to the vehicle automatically I wonder?

I believe he said the software quirk was caused by the car’s computer losing the update that was downloaded in January.  I had not tried opening the sunroof since the original fix back in January.  The software is downloaded using their computers at the dealership, although I understand that some software updates can be downloaded from the satellite 📡 through the Mercedes Benz Mbrace system.

If it happens again, then there is a problem with the computer hardware in the car.  I am just hoping this fix is permanent.

The more these new cars become dependent on computers and software, the more complex a fix becomes when a glitch occurs. This software problem and it’s fix was “sunroof operation specific”!

I am not believing the MB story that the update got lost. The usual computer setup is to download the update and verify the accuracy of the data. Then the computer restarts using the new update while the old version has been saved. If a problem occurs, then the computer can revert to the earlier version. So there should have been no problem. I hope you had your boots on. I hope your window problem is fixed. But you've certainly had cooperation from the service folks. I don't know that all companies would be as accommodating. But then that's what you felt you were buying a Mercedes.

driver100

I believe that Mercedes sunroof is more complicated than most. It can probably open all different ways, and in more positions than most. That is one reason things can go wrong more often.
I've had them do software updates, sometimes it takes, sometimes the update has to be refined. When we picked up our 2013 Audi A4 Bluetooth wasn't working, took a few weeks before they figured out the software.

ruking1

If so, it’s on MB to work on the reliability & durability factors.

abacomike

driver100 said:

I believe that Mercedes sunroof is more complicated than most. It can probably open all different ways, and in more positions than most. That is one reason things can go wrong more often. I've had them do software updates, sometimes it takes, sometimes the update has to be refined. When we picked up our 2013 Audi A4 Bluetooth wasn't working, took a few weeks before they figured out the software.

You are correct, driver.  When you first pull back the switch above the center console, the interior screen folds back and stops.  You release the switch and then pull it back again and the rear of the glass sunroof pops up and after a nano-second hesitation the glass roof slides up and back over the roof of the car.  To close the glass roof, you push the same switch forward and the roof closes.  When it stops, you push the switch forward again and the internal screen closes.

If you just want the roof to pop up in the back as a vent, you pull the switch back to open the internal screen.  You then push the switch up and the rear of the glass pops up.

Yes, it is somewhat complicated in the way the different gears and tracks operate the roof parts.  It was much less complicated when sunroofs merely moved back into a pocket behind the front of the cabin above the rear seats.  I have two glass windows on the roof of the car - the front is moveable but the rear skylight is stationary but has a moveable screen shade if the rear passengers want sunlight.

fintail

Sunroof sounds like an S-class thing, why use 3 moving parts when 20 will do?

I've had pano on 2x E class, zero issues.

Regarding speed, I've passed 100 many times in several different cars, never was scared of anything more than the po-po. I've cruised at 120+ for long stretches in Germany, but in cars made for it (7er, A8 etc).

qbrozen

I don’t even know if the moonroof in my car works. 

stickguy

my sonata worked the same way as Mike's S class. power shade, and a sail style. never an issue with it.

I use mine all the time. wonderful feature.

jmonroe1

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

I believe that Mercedes sunroof is more complicated than most. It can probably open all different ways, and in more positions than most. That is one reason things can go wrong more often.
I've had them do software updates, sometimes it takes, sometimes the update has to be refined. When we picked up our 2013 Audi A4 Bluetooth wasn't working, took a few weeks before they figured out the software.

You are correct, driver.  When you first pull back the switch above the center console, the interior screen folds back and stops.  You release the switch and then pull it back again and the rear of the glass sunroof pops up and after a nano-second hesitation the glass roof slides up and back over the roof of the car.  To close the glass roof, you push the same switch forward and the roof closes.  When it stops, you push the switch forward again and the internal screen closes.

If you just want the roof to pop up in the back as a vent, you pull the switch back to open the internal screen.  You then push the switch up and the rear of the glass pops up.

Yes, it is somewhat complicated in the way the different gears and tracks operate the roof parts.  It was much less complicated when sunroofs merely moved back into a pocket behind the front of the cabin above the rear seats.  I have two glass windows on the roof of the car - the front is moveable but the rear skylight is stationary but has a moveable screen shade if the rear passengers want sunlight.

The sunroof on my '15 Genny sounds somewhat like your S450. Because of the rear piece of glass, when you open the sunroof the only place for the front piece of glass to move to is up and over the rear glass. Personally I don't think the car looks as good with the roof open as my '09 Genny looked when opened or for that matter, looks as good as Mrs. j's plain-jane grocery getting 2012 Subie. I'd rather not have sunroofs on our cars but because of option packaging, I have them. I think these panoramic roofs are overkill and create complexity that doesn't belong in cars as you have found out first-hand.

jmonroe

roadburner

qbrozen said:

I don’t even know if the moonroof in my car works. 

Same here, I’ve never touched the sunroof switch on the 2 Series. I did open and close the sunroof on the Clubman to make sure it closed completely. 

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

qbrozen said:

I don’t even know if the moonroof in my car works. 

Same here, I’ve never touched the sunroof switch on the 2 Series. I did open and close the sunroof on the Clubman to make sure it closed completely. 

Did you choose the car with a sunroof? If yes, why not use it?

I used to think that I’d really like a sun roof but they don’t give the view I thought they would so I just bought a convertible.

ab348

Even if you don't open a glass sunroof, the added light they bring into the interior is welcome, especially with the preponderance of coal-mine black interiors these days.

abacomike

ab348 said:

Even if you don't open a glass sunroof, the added light they bring into the interior is welcome, especially with the preponderance of coal-mine black interiors these days.

Quite frankly, I rarely open the sunroof or just retract the sun shield to allow sunlight into the interior (front-seats or rear-seats) because of the heat it generates down here in South Florida.  Additionally, I avoid sunlight because of several bouts with basal-cell skin cancer.  

fintail

I at least tilt open the roof in my car often, and with a moonroof, I usually leave the shade open. With the dreary weather here 8 months out of the year, a little light can be nice, and take advantage of fresh air when you can.

houdini2

houdini2 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Well maybe you could stagger your buying to different price points? Every 5 point drop, buy again?

There were some eye-witness reports on the Ethiopian crash. Apparently the plane was rattling and shaking violently and there was some smoke. I dunno, sounds kinda like a stall and a full-throttle attempt?

Mr_Shiftright said:

Well maybe you could stagger your buying to different price points? Every 5 point drop, buy again?

There were some eye-witness reports on the Ethiopian crash. Apparently the plane was rattling and shaking violently and there was some smoke. I dunno, sounds kinda like a stall and a full-throttle attempt?

Strangely enough, I have done that a few times before. It is sort of like doubling your bet when you lose at Black Jack, etc. Sometimes it even works. I think this would be a good stock to go ahead and buy because whatever the problem is, if there is a problem, it could be an easy fix.

OK, so I bought a few shares of BA late yesterday. Woke up in the middle of the night thinking U.S. might very well ground those planes today and shares will tank further, so sold this morning pre market and made a small profit when BA was up about $5.00 a share. It is still up about $4.00 right now.

graphicguy

SUNROOFS.....I like them. If I can’t have a convertible, I’m taking a car with a sunroof. However, I can slide the cover open, or closed. In the winter time, I slide it open to let the sunshine in and help warm the car. In the summer, I leave the shade closed to keep the interior cool. One button for tilt up or tilt down the sunroof, another to open and close it. Not sure why software has to be involved. That sounds like a level of complexity that’s frivolous.


Regarding the perceived value of vehicles. Those are age old questions. I’ve liked the Avalon for a few years because I think it stacks up well against the comparable Audi, BMW and Mercedes counterparts.....for $20K-$30K even $40K less.

Is a Bolt the equal to a Tesla? I don’t know. I wish I was more versed in EVs.

I debate the value equation between my Acura and an Accord all the time. I prefer my Acura as it has drivetrain, tech, features, warranty, refinement and material quality that’s better than the Accord. But, how much better? That’s always the question.

Looking back, when I was all hot and bothered by the Kia Stinger, I’m glad I didn’t pull that trigger. As they are getting miles on them, the “gotchas” are creeping up with them. A troublesome car is my biggest pet peeve, even if it’s under warranty. Not sure I would have been “hot and bothered” still if I had bought the Stinger GT and had issues with it right out of the gate.

Give my TLX credit....it has been exemplary with just routing maintenance required, and very little of it. Plus, what I have had to do in require maintenance has been inexpensive. No complaints.

While I was traveling all last week, and had my son pick me up at the airport upon my return, he picked me up in my car (instead of his GTI....lord help that he uses HIS gas).

Anyway, I jumped in the driver’s seat and was reminded how much I reallu like this TLX.

abacomike

graphicguy said:

SUNROOFS.....I like them. If I can’t have a convertible, I’m taking a car with a sunroof. However, I can slide the cover open, or closed. In the winter time, I slide it open to let the sunshine in and help warm the car. In the summer, I leave the shade closed to keep the interior cool. One button for tilt up or tilt down the sunroof, another to open and close it. Not sure why software has to be involved. That sounds like a level of complexity that’s frivolous. Regarding the perceived value of vehicles. Those are age old questions. I’ve liked the Avalon for a few years because I think it stacks up well against the comparable Audi, BMW and Mercedes counterparts.....for $20K-$30K even $40K less. Is a Bolt the equal to a Tesla? I don’t know. I wish I was more versed in EVs. I debate the value equation between my Acura and an Accord all the time. I prefer my Acura as it has drivetrain, tech, features, warranty, refinement and material quality that’s better than the Accord. But, how much better? That’s always the question. Looking back, when I was all hot and bothered by the Kia Stinger, I’m glad I didn’t pull that trigger. As they are getting miles on them, the “gotchas” are creeping up with them. A troublesome car is my biggest pet peeve, even if it’s under warranty. Not sure I would have been “hot and bothered” still if I had bought the Stinger GT and had issues with it right out of the gate. Give my TLX credit....it has been exemplary with just routing maintenance required, and very little of it. Plus, what I have had to do in require maintenance has been inexpensive. No complaints. While I was traveling all last week, and had my son pick me up at the airport upon my return, he picked me up in my car (instead of his GTI....lord help that he uses HIS gas). Anyway, I jumped in the driver’s seat and was reminded how much I reallu like this TLX.

GG, I like your attitude - you really like your TLX!  I also agree that the Avalon stands up well to the German entries in its class.  As you know, I am seriously considering an Avalon or an ES350 next year when my lease is up unless I get “pulled” to the dark side if Mercedes makes me a deal on an E450 that I can’t refuse.

It’s nice to not have to worry about getting a new car for another 20 months.  As I mentioned, I am so delighted with this car that even if became eligible for a swap out or lemon law over the sunroof, I would still keep this car until lease end.  I have been happy living in the “dark side” with this S450.

I still have not reached 12,000 miles on this car (11,350) and it’s already 16 months old.

henryn

I don’t like sunroofs personally, as they tend to take away from the available headroom. Many years (decades) ago, I had a Peugeot with a sunroof, and I did use it. That car did not have air conditioning, so the more air you could circulate the better.

The last car I owned with a sunroof was the 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI, which I purchased specifically to sell back at a profit. I owned that for 6 or 8 months, and don’t recall ever once opening the sunroof. I don’t even recall checking to see if it would open.

High speed on older cars – my wife (at the time) purchased a new 1985 Dodge Lancer with the 2.2 turbo engine, and the 5 speed. That car was a pocket rocket, outran many a more expensive “sports car”. And it would cruise easily at 100 or 110 mph, feeling quite stable.

ruking1

houdini2 said:

houdini2 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Well maybe you could stagger your buying to different price points? Every 5 point drop, buy again?

There were some eye-witness reports on the Ethiopian crash. Apparently the plane was rattling and shaking violently and there was some smoke. I dunno, sounds kinda like a stall and a full-throttle attempt?

Mr_Shiftright said:

Well maybe you could stagger your buying to different price points? Every 5 point drop, buy again?

There were some eye-witness reports on the Ethiopian crash. Apparently the plane was rattling and shaking violently and there was some smoke. I dunno, sounds kinda like a stall and a full-throttle attempt?

Strangely enough, I have done that a few times before. It is sort of like doubling your bet when you lose at Black Jack, etc. Sometimes it even works. I think this would be a good stock to go ahead and buy because whatever the problem is, if there is a problem, it could be an easy fix.

OK, so I bought a few shares of BA late yesterday. Woke up in the middle of the night thinking U.S. might very well ground those planes today and shares will tank further, so sold this morning pre market and made a small profit when BA was up about $5.00 a share. It is still up about $4.00 right now.

Yes, let the web tools do the executions, you’ve already have done the thinking. Yippee! On the profit! For me BA is a long term hold and I play with it when things like this happen.

Again give them the rules and how they work never overlook the dividends. When I look @ say BAC shares, they always makes me smile. When I first purchased BAC, the dividend was literally $.01. Today, it’s $.60.

driver100

ab348 said:

Even if you don't open a glass sunroof, the added light they bring into the interior is welcome, especially with the preponderance of coal-mine black interiors these days.

The sunroof to me is like a balcony in an apartment. I wouldn't want to sit out on one very often, but I feel better knowing it is there and I could sit on it. I like having the sunlight filter in on a cloudy or dark day. Even if the shade is back just a little bit, it gives a more open feeling.

I rarely actually open the sunroof. Mrs D will drive around with the a/c on and the sunroof open....I tell her the whole town appreciates that she is air conditioning the city.

The sunroof in the E400 is an engineering miracle similar to Mikes....the C250 is pretty basic with a shade, and I have to manually pull the shade forward or back Not a big deal, and probably easier than trying to remember what buttons to push or which way to push them.

tjc78

I rarely actually open the sunroof. Mrs D will drive around with the a/c on and the sunroof open....I tell her the whole town appreciates that she is air conditioning the city.

Cold air falls...

Our LaCrosse had the power sunshade over the pano roof. I really liked that. Very convenient.

Our Enclave has the pano roof over the rear seats and a regular sunroof up front. The rear sunroof is far enough back that the front roof slides into the headliner rather than up and over the roof. I just wish the sunshades were power as there are times the kids ask for the shade to be open and that is hard to do while driving

Mr_Shiftright

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

True, true, but you're talking about air travel, not plastic lawn ornaments from China. Next to oxygen and football, most Americans can't live without airplanes.

They thought they couldn't live without landline telephones too...........
Not saying it will happen, but, someone could devise a totally new way of flying or teletransporting humans.......

True indeed, but not by tomorrow morning.

Modern air travel is kind of stupid, if you step way back and think of yourself as an alien visiting earth for the first time.

"Let's see...these people get from one place to another by stuffing 300 people in a metal tube, which they then fill with highly flammable petroleum product, then ignite it, and launch the tube into the air until it lands somewhere else. They then leave the tube and get into smaller petroleum-powered tubes, and then reach outlying parking lots where they get into their own personal petroleum tube".

ruking1

driver100 said:

ab348 said:

Even if you don't open a glass sunroof, the added light they bring into the interior is welcome, especially with the preponderance of coal-mine black interiors these days.

The sunroof to me is like a balcony in an apartment. I wouldn't want to sit out on one very often, but I feel better knowing it is there and I could sit on it. I like having the sunlight filter in on a cloudy or dark day. Even if the shade is back just a little bit, it gives a more open feeling.

I rarely actually open the sunroof. Mrs D will drive around with the a/c on and the sunroof open....I tell her the whole town appreciates that she is air conditioning the city.

The sunroof in the E400 is an engineering miracle similar to Mikes....the C250 is pretty basic with a shade, and I have to manually pull the shade forward or back Not a big deal, and probably easier than trying to remember what buttons to push or which way to push them.

What you are saying is very true.

For me however, the extra lighting (background to full sunlight) is/are fatiguing for 3 hr to 9 hr. drives.

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

True, true, but you're talking about air travel, not plastic lawn ornaments from China. Next to oxygen and football, most Americans can't live without airplanes.

They thought they couldn't live without landline telephones too...........
Not saying it will happen, but, someone could devise a totally new way of flying or teletransporting humans.......

True indeed, but not by tomorrow morning.

Modern air travel is kind of stupid, if you step way back and think of yourself as an alien visiting earth for the first time.

"Let's see...these people get from one place to another by stuffing 300 people in a metal tube, which they then fill with highly flammable petroleum product, then ignite it, and launch the tube into the air until it lands somewhere else. They then leave the tube and get into smaller petroleum-powered tubes, and then reach outlying parking lots where they get into their own personal petroleum tube".

Not only that, but how do these stupid earthlings expect this multi ton object to fly through the air?

driver100

ruking1 said:

driver100 said:

ab348 said:

Even if you don't open a glass sunroof, the added light they bring into the interior is welcome, especially with the preponderance of coal-mine black interiors these days.

The sunroof to me is like a balcony in an apartment. I wouldn't want to sit out on one very often, but I feel better knowing it is there and I could sit on it. I like having the sunlight filter in on a cloudy or dark day. Even if the shade is back just a little bit, it gives a more open feeling.

I rarely actually open the sunroof. Mrs D will drive around with the a/c on and the sunroof open....I tell her the whole town appreciates that she is air conditioning the city.

The sunroof in the E400 is an engineering miracle similar to Mikes....the C250 is pretty basic with a shade, and I have to manually pull the shade forward or back Not a big deal, and probably easier than trying to remember what buttons to push or which way to push them.

What you are saying is very true.

For me however, the extra lighting (background to full sunlight) is/are fatiguing for 3 hr to 9 hr. drives.

More fatiguing for me to be in a dark pit........but, at least if you have a sunroof with a shade....you have options

Mr_Shiftright

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

True, true, but you're talking about air travel, not plastic lawn ornaments from China. Next to oxygen and football, most Americans can't live without airplanes.

They thought they couldn't live without landline telephones too...........
Not saying it will happen, but, someone could devise a totally new way of flying or teletransporting humans.......

True indeed, but not by tomorrow morning.

Modern air travel is kind of stupid, if you step way back and think of yourself as an alien visiting earth for the first time.

"Let's see...these people get from one place to another by stuffing 300 people in a metal tube, which they then fill with highly flammable petroleum product, then ignite it, and launch the tube into the air until it lands somewhere else. They then leave the tube and get into smaller petroleum-powered tubes, and then reach outlying parking lots where they get into their own personal petroleum tube".

Not only that, but how do these stupid earthlings expect this multi ton object to fly through the air?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was one a science fiction short story I read where they discovered that the reason planes crashed is that a certain # of the passengers stop believing the plane could fly.

jmonroe1

Mr_Shiftright said:

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

True, true, but you're talking about air travel, not plastic lawn ornaments from China. Next to oxygen and football, most Americans can't live without airplanes.

They thought they couldn't live without landline telephones too...........
Not saying it will happen, but, someone could devise a totally new way of flying or teletransporting humans.......

True indeed, but not by tomorrow morning.

Modern air travel is kind of stupid, if you step way back and think of yourself as an alien visiting earth for the first time.

"Let's see...these people get from one place to another by stuffing 300 people in a metal tube, which they then fill with highly flammable petroleum product, then ignite it, and launch the tube into the air until it lands somewhere else. They then leave the tube and get into smaller petroleum-powered tubes, and then reach outlying parking lots where they get into their own personal petroleum tube".

Not only that, but how do these stupid earthlings expect this multi ton object to fly through the air?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was one a science fiction short story I read where they discovered that the reason planes crashed is that a certain # of the passengers stop believing the plane could fly.

Man, you've gotta be a pretty deep thinker to consider something like that.

jmonroe